New Trafalgar Square lights are more than just green

The new lights which the Greater London Authority plan to install in Trafalgar Square will cover the whole spectrum of colours but will be much greener than the current set of halogen bulbs. The current lights are only 20 years old but are already judged to be beyond repair, especially as the large halogen bulbs cost £1000 a pop to replace. The old lights will be replaced with LED lighting, reducing the carbon footprint by 90% and saving an estimated 16,400Kg of carbon annually (GLA). The lights will also  save thousands of pounds on the GLA electricity bill .  The GLA is hoping to raise £350,000 sponsorship to cover the cost of the lighting as well as  new powerful pumps to produce plumes of water and new artwork for the fountains.  The lights will usually show white but will be changed to different colours for special events - going red for St George’s day and going green for St Patrick’s day. 

The Guardian, 28th July 2008